Sydney Sixers get on board with a 14-run win

Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 Champions Sydney Sixers thrashed the IPL runners up Chennai Super Kings by 14 runs at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Sydney Sixers piled up a huge total of 185 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, but Chennai Super Kings could only manage 171 runs.

The curator at the Wanderers had removed the grass to aid the batsman but some amount of grass was present. Since there was a little amount of grass, there wouldn’t be any lateral movement off the surface which made life a little bit easy for the batsman in the first 6 overs. Chennai Super Kings, however, did not make the most of first 6 overs as the openers Watson and Lumb dispatched the Super King’s bowlers all round the park. It was a brilliant innings from Watson and Lumb as the duo put on 50 runs for the first wicket before Jadeja trapped Lumb for 18 in the 6th over.

Soon after, Watson (46) had a terrible mix-up as he cut away to sweeper-cover; he wanted the second, but never looked comfortable with it as Hilfenhaus fired the throw on the half-volley to Dhoni, who was in front of the stumps and did not make a mistake. Subsequently, skipper Haddin and Maddinson counter-attacked the Super Kings spinners with some delightful boundaries. That forced Dhoni to bring part-time spinner Du Plessis and that move seemed to be of no use as Haddin and Maddinson looked in fine knick. However, the partnership was broken by Ashwin when he got rid of Haddin for 20(18). It was Hilfenhaus who changed the game from the outfield. It was a long hop from Ashwin, Haddin was hurried into the pull a little, but the highlight here was the forward-diving catch from Hilfenhaus at deep square leg. Soon after, Maddinson was clean bowled for 12 in the same over, leaving Sydney Sixers at 110/4. It looked like Chennai Super Kings were coming back into the contest after they got rid of two settled batsman. But Dhoni failed to tighten the screws by using his best bowlers at the stage of the match. Ultimately, Sydney Sixers’ fine batsman Steve Smith and Henriques made the most of it as they ensured Sydney Sixers posted a competitive total that could be defended by the bowlers. Sydney Sixers ended their innings at 185 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

That meant the Chennai Super Kings needed a very good start from Hussey and Vijay. Also, they desperately needed Dhoni to bat up the order. However, that didn’t happen.

Chennai Super Kings did not start the chase confidently as they lost Vijay in the first over to Starc for just 1. Vijay had played completely down the wrong line as a full delivery swung in towards the stumps and beat the inside edge. Faf Du Plessis and Hussey steadied the run-rate as they ensured CSK did not lose more than a wicket inside the power-play. Faf Du Plessis looked in fine knick as he and Hussey shared a handy partnership of 61 runs before Du Plessis was caught by Starc for 43. Chennai Super Kings desperately needed him to stay there to chase this huge total, but it was not to be. Then, it was Hussey’s turn to go back to the pavilion as he played a poor shot which was not required at that time. Badrinath and Raina gave some hope for CSK as they stabilized the innings by sharing 45 runs for the 4th wicket before Badrinath was caught behind off Henriques for only 6. Thereafter, CSK never kept up with the required run-rate and eventually fell short by 14 runs.

Chennai Super Kings, despite the loss, played brilliantly. The only problem they have to sort out is that they give away too many runs in the death overs. Dhoni needs to hold back Ashwin for an over and Bollinger for a couple overs to bowl in slog overs. He should use Hilfenhaus initially and complete his full quota because he is dangerous with the new-ball and not effective with the old ball. If this problem is sorted out, they have their chance. Also, they should not drop a player like Morkel who would have been a very handy customer in these circumstances. The competition should be between Faf Du Plessis and Hussey. Hopefully, Dhoni will rectify that and come with an effective strategy in the next match!